Foundations in the canton of Thurgau

Foundations in Thurgau: Regional Commitment & Support

In 2025, there were 262 charitable foundations active in the canton of Thurgau. At 8.7 foundations per 10,000 residents, the density of foundations in the canton is lower than the Swiss average. Many of Thurgau’s foundations operate primarily at the regional level and within the canton. However, funding organizations in Thurgau also consider applications from other cantons in Eastern Switzerland for their grant programs; conversely, organizations and projects from Thurgau have good chances of receiving support from foundations in neighboring cantons. In addition to thematic relevance, geographic proximity is also important for fundraisers when searching for suitable funding organizations. Therefore, fundraisers typically start by contacting potential funders in the immediate vicinity who have a direct connection to the organization’s mission, and then gradually expand the scope of their applications. With foundation directories such as spheriq.ch, it is possible to use filter options to search specifically for suitable foundations and projects in the region—and beyond.

Culture, Sport & Infrastructure: Foundation Landscape Thurgau

Foundations in Thurgau are as diverse as the local projects and institutions. The social services, education, and arts sectors are particularly well represented. In addition, numerous foundations are active in the fields of research and science, health, and environmental and animal protection. Due to Thurgau’s proximity to Germany, international collaborations and partnerships regularly emerge within the Thurgau foundation landscape. While this is very encouraging, the foundation laws of the two countries differ fundamentally in many respects. Foundations that operate across borders generally have a good understanding of legal formalities. Networking between German and Swiss foundations can be helpful in successfully financing and implementing bilateral projects.

Scholarships, Emergency Aid & Maternity Assistance: Individual Case Funding by Foundations in Thurgau

For many foundations in Thurgau, providing direct support and assistance to people in need is an important area of focus. This includes scholarships for talented young people as well as emergency aid for people affected by poverty, the homeless, and families in need. Support for mothers—in the form of financial assistance, counseling, and other forms of support—also contributes to the well-being of children, mothers, and families. Collaboration between funding organizations and aid organizations contributes significantly to a philanthropic and public-interest-oriented society—not only in the canton of Thurgau, but also throughout Switzerland and globally.